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| Wild Bill Revard Memorial 50 Lap Figure 8 Race |  As I handed Mary Ellen the "Driver of the Month" plaque for Wild Bill Revard and saw the tears in her eyes and heard the ovation that was being given I knew I was in a special place with special people. For almost a 100 days we have wondered what it would it be like coming back. Would Figure 8 Racing be the same at Sunshine? YOU BET IT WOULD!!!!!!
When the 18 drivers took the track for the 50 lap Wild Bill Revard Memorial race the anticipation was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Pole man #14 Wayne Caulkins dropped back on the parade lap to form the missing man formation the crowd was on its feet and with help of track announcer Bill Green, flags,hats,programs and anything else we could grab were waving!! The cheering was an awesome sound as the cars made their way around the track and got even louder as the "1" to go sign was given.......The anticipation was over, It was time to race and we were all ready!!
The green dropped and the race was on. The field spread out early and the close calls at X came early and the OOOOO's and AHHHHH's were said in unison as we watched these men flying around the 1/4 mile figure 8 track. The racing was fast and furious #11 Art Calkins was making his way through the field when #14 Wayne Calkins exploded a motor coming out of the X and into turn 1 causing cars to slide wildly and 5 cars piling up into the wall. All were able to continue except Calkins. Art Calkins finally made his way to the front and the determination was evident as #5 Jimmy Thompson gave Art his all but couldn't get around him and Thompson finally retired with apparent engine troubles. As the action at the front was heating up it was in the rear that #28 Shane Grigsby had the crowd on its feet taking deep breaths as he came within inches of the other cars coming through the X finding holes that weren't there a split second ago!!! #89 "Hollywood" Ron Davis mounted a charge late in the race and closed in on the last lap but veteran Art Calkins was able to hold off the hardcharging Davis and take the victory. During the post race interview Calkins voice was shaky but he stood tall and gave us all a "Wild Bill" pose with the trophy and flag!
This was one awesome race and somewhere up there you could tell Bill was smiling and yelling his patented through the X yell YEEEEEHAAAAAAW!!!
.............From Sunshine Speedway......Rick Anges
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